Turkey builds hospital for Rohingya in Bangladesh

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) is building a field hospital in southeastern Bangladesh for Rohingya refugees who have fled state persecution in Myanmar.

Dr. Sayit Ciftci from the Turkish National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) told Anadolu Agency that the hospital in the Balukhali camp near Cox’s Bazar would have a capacity for 50 beds.

Three out of eight tents have been erected so far, Ciftci said, adding that the hospital spread over 1,000 square meters (10,763 sqf) would begin operation by the end of this year.

“Along with an emergency healthcare unit, it will have childbirth units, emergency service, general surgery, orthopedic and intensive care units and x-ray machines,” he added.

“We will have a laboratory here. We are planning to establish a small-scale but full-fledged hospital.”

During the initial phase, 10 doctors will be brought from Turkey, he said, adding that they were working on a second hospital.

He said a local doctor had informed them about a diphtheria epidemic in the camps.

Several people have died of the bacterial infection which usually affects the throat and nose, he said, adding the exact death toll was not known.

He said he had requested for medicines and soon the hospital would begin treatment for those suffering from diphtheria.

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will visit the area on Wednesday and observe the hospital construction.

He is expected attend the donation ceremony of two ambulances and staff vehicles which will be delivered to Cox’s Bazaar Central Hospital by Turkey’s state-run aid body, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

Since Aug. 25, more than 656,000 Rohingya have crossed from Myanmar’s western state of Arakan into Bangladesh, according to the UN. The refugees are fleeing a military operation that has seen security forces and Buddhist mobs kill men, women and children, loot homes and torch Rohingya villages.

The Rohingya, described by the UN as the world’s most persecuted people, have faced heightened fears of attack since dozens were killed in communal violence in 2012.

At least 9,000 Rohingya were killed in Myanmar’s western Arakan state from Aug. 25 to Sept. 24, according to Doctors Without Borders.

In a report published on Dec. 12, the global humanitarian organization said that the deaths of 71.7 percent or 6,700 Rohingya were caused by violence. They include 730 children below the age of 5.

The UN has documented mass gang rapes, killings — including of infants and young children — brutal beatings, and disappearances committed by security personnel. In a report, UN investigators said such violations may have constituted crimes against humanity.